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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Avoiding colon cancer might be as simple as getting up and getting moving, especially for men.
According to a new study, vigorous to moderate exercise for an hour a day, six days a week, reduces the proliferation of cells within microscopic pits in the lining of the colon. Cell growth in these pits -- called colonic crypts -- has been associated with the formation of polyps. Once formed, polyps can turn into deadly colon cancer.
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Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle tested the theory on 202 men and women between ages 40 and 75. They report men who exercised between four and five hours a week reduced their cell proliferation in the pits by 1.7 percent, while those who exercised for more than five hours saw a 2.4 percent reduction. No change was noted in men who didn't exercise.
Intensity of exercise appeared to make a difference as well. Men who showed improvement in measures of cardiovascular fitness -- suggesting they exercised more vigorously -- were more likely to see a reduction in proliferation of the damaging cells.
Women in the study didn't see any changes in the proliferation of the cells, but the researchers report there may be a simple explanation: The women didn't exercise as much as the men, and when they did exercise, it wasn't as hard. Estrogen levels may also have come into play. The investigators note estrogen, which has been linked to colon health, drops with exercise.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2006;15:1588-1597
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